How Often Should You Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub?

Owning a hot tub is a fantastic way to relax and unwind after a long day. However, to keep it inviting and safe, regular maintenance is essential. A question we often hear is: How often should you drain and refill your hot tub? This process is also known as a “deep clean.”

The answer depends on several factors: how often you use it, your water quality, and how consistent your maintenance is. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your spa clean, clear, and ready to enjoy.

Why Draining Your Hot Tub Matters

Keeping your hot tub clean is not just about aesthetics. Over time, dirt, oils, and chemicals build up in the water, in the pipes, and on the surfaces. This can lead to cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and even damage to your hot tub’s components. Regular deep cleaning and draining are essential. It allows you to:

• Remove contaminants your filter can’t catch

• Prevent biofilm and scale buildup

• Keep water chemistry balanced

• Protect your equipment and extend its lifespan

  
  

How Often Should You Drain It?

Most hot tubs should be drained and refilled every 3–4 months. However, that timeline can change based on:

• Heavy use: More people lead to more buildup, so drain more often.

• Water quality issues: Cloudy water, odors, or scaling mean you should drain sooner.

• Maintenance habits: Consistent care can stretch the timeline.

  
  

Simple rule: If the water looks off or is harder to balance, it’s time to drain and refill.

How to Deep Clean Your Hot Tub

1. Flush the Lines

Flushing the lines is crucial for maintaining your hot tub. It helps to:

• Break down biofilm (bacteria buildup inside pipes)

• Eliminate hidden debris

• Remove odors at the source

  
  

Quick steps:

1. Remove any headrests before you begin the flushing process.

2. Take out the filter(s).

3. Add a plumbing cleaner to the water (follow product instructions).

4. Run jets on high for 15–30 minutes.

5. Turn off the jets and let the water/chemicals sit in the lines (per product instructions).

6. While you're waiting, clean the spa filter(s).

7. Run the jets again for 10 minutes before moving to the next step.

   
   

2. Drain & Clean the Tub

Follow these steps to drain and clean your hot tub:

1. Turn off power at the breaker.

2. Drain the tub using the valve or a submersible pump.

3. Clean the interior and exterior of the cover with an appropriate cleaner.

4. Remove and clean the jet faces, if your model allows. Soak them in white vinegar for 30-45 minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush, rinse, and reinstall.

5. As the water drains, begin cleaning the waterline of the tub.

6. Continue to clean the hot tub interior shell with a spa-safe cleaner and a gentle cloth.

7. Rinse everything thoroughly.

8. Use a shop vac to clear any remaining water on the seats or floor of the tub.

9. Refill with fresh water.

10. Test the water and balance chemicals (pH, alkalinity, sanitizer) as needed.

11. Turn the power back on and run the jets for 10-15 minutes to allow the chemicals to circulate.

12. The following day, once the hot tub temperature has reached 80 degrees, test the chemicals again and adjust as needed.

When to Call a Pro

Sometimes it’s better (and faster) to bring in help. Call a pro if you notice:

• Water that stays cloudy or smells

• Circulation or heating issues

• Visible scale or buildup

• Constant chemical balancing problems

  
  

Want a Hands-Off Hot Tub?

At Splash Brothers Pool Cleaning, we make hot tub care easy. From water testing to deep cleans, we handle it all—so you can just relax and enjoy your spa.

Your hot tub should feel like an escape—not another chore. Stay on a simple drain-and-clean schedule, keep up with basic maintenance, and your water will stay clean, clear, and ready whenever you are.

We make pool ownership hassle-free, allowing you to enjoy a sparkling pool on a consistent basis. We offer comprehensive services, from reliable weekly cleaning to specialized treatments. Let us handle the maintenance; you just relax and swim. Experience truly hands-off pool ownership with us.

Need help? Call or text 925-979-8375 to schedule a service or get a quick quote.